Chapter 97: Huang Huang and Zi Pei, Yue Fu and Chu Yi
April 16th, nightfall.

Wang Chong’s ancient residence.

When serving as an official in Beijing, accommodation has always been a big problem.

But for Wang Chonggu, it was as simple as pie.

As a member of a Shanxi merchant family, he had never known what it felt like to be short of money. With a wave of his hand, he asked someone to purchase two courtyards not far from the Quanjin Guild Hall, and connected the alleys to form one luxurious and grand one.

All the officials who came to visit him envied Shangshu Wang's strong financial resources.

When saying goodbye, I couldn't help looking around, wanting to take a closer look.

Wang Chonggu didn't mind. He just stood at the door of the study and watched his fellow villagers and colleagues leave with a smile.

Only after the people walked away did he stop smiling, walk back to the study and close the door.

"Uncle, what exactly are you considering?" Zhang Siwei's voice sounded at the right time.

At the moment, there were only the uncle and nephew in the study, so naturally they wanted to talk about something.

The matter of rotating the Beijing Camp and the Yuezhou Guards was almost forced by the Cabinet, and the result will be known tomorrow.

In the past two days, several cabinet ministers have taken turns to exert pressure.

His colleagues in the Ministry of War, scholars in the Hanlin Academy, and fellow villagers in Shanxi, Nanzhili, and even the southeast all expressed, openly or secretly, that they hoped Wang Chonggu would fight back for the emperor.

Today, Wang Chonggu no longer has the room to be indecisive. He must make his position clear.

Facing his nephew's question, Wang Chonggu did not answer, but asked: "What does Ziwei think?"

Zhang Siwei shook his head and said, "Uncle, I still agree with what I said before. We need to be cautious about the affairs of the Beijing camp."

Compared with Wang Chonggu, his nephew's attitude was much clearer - it was best not to let the emperor interfere in military affairs.

Wang Chonggu did not comment: "Those ministers and Hanlin scholars are standing on the position of civil officials and are wary of the emperor's autocracy. I naturally understand."

"What's your reason? Tell me in detail."

Wang Chonggu was quite hesitant about this matter.

Although the emperor only needed a small battalion of 3,000 men, he did not intend to use them in any critical locations.

But anyone with a slightly keen sense of smell could see that the emperor was taking small steps towards intervening in military affairs.

Therefore, the outcome of this matter and the attitude of the Ministry of War are very important.

In fact, from the perspective of military affairs alone, he was not opposed to reorganizing the Beijing camp.

It's time for the Ming Dynasty to take military action.

Since Hongxi, they have never gone out to conquer the Tatars and can only hide on the border. How weak are they?
It is not a bad thing that the emperor is interested in military preparations. It even fits Wang Chonggu's wish. If his idea of ​​conquering the Wolf and Lair was followed, he would have liked the emperor to learn from Emperor Wu of Han.

However, being willing to see the Beijing Army become strong does not mean that he is willing to see the emperor become strong.

But this is a relationship where both parties prosper together.

There are quite a few colleagues who have such concerns.

In the past two days, the door of his house has been trampled down. Fellow Jinshi, officials from various ministries, relatives from the hometown, and even nobles from the Beijing camp have all expressed their attitudes on this matter, openly or secretly.

It is said that if the emperor is too powerful and controls the capital, life will be difficult for the court officials.

This is even more embarrassing.

Zhang Siwei saw his uncle's dilemma, but he had a different perspective.

He pondered for a while and said, "Uncle, the emperor was tyrannical and cruel in Nanzhili before, calling for war and killing at the slightest provocation. Now, in the case of Huguang, he immediately charged us with rebellion, leaving no room for mercy."

"Uncle, why do you think the emperor is doing this?"

Wang Chonggu thought about it and shook his head.

He had only been in Beijing for a few days and had only met the emperor once, so naturally he had no idea what the emperor was thinking.

Zhang Siwei said bluntly: "Uncle, with such drastic actions, how can the emperor regard them as his subjects, confidants, or relatives?"

"It's all because the emperor sees them as parasites of the country! Tolerating them? He wants to kill them all!"

Wang Chonggu was slightly moved.

He immediately understood what Zhang Siwei meant.

He gave his nephew a questioning look.

Zhang Siwei nodded and said coldly: "We Jin people are probably the same in the eyes of the emperor!"

"Don't be fooled by the way he treated Yang Bo with courtesy. When my uncle met the emperor, he was still courteous and respectful, and the emperor and his subjects were getting along well. But..."

"Nephew, I can guarantee that if Altan Khan outside Xuanda Pass disappears tonight, the emperor will kill you and me tomorrow!"

This is why he didn't want the emperor to interfere in military affairs.

Why did the emperor bypass the southeast by opening up sea transportation? Why did he reopen the Fujian Maritime Customs Office and add a new Shanghai Maritime Customs Office?

It is because there are really Japanese pirates in Fujian that Fujian really dares to rebel!

Why did the emperor dislike Yang Bo and still treat him with respect? Why did he want to move the Beijing camp and still had to humble himself and look at the faces of his uncle and nephew?

It is because there really are Tatars in Xuanda, and Altan Khan’s trade is really controlled by Shanxi merchants!

All of these were based on the fact that the central authority of the Ming Dynasty was weakened and the military preparedness of the Beijing garrison was weak.

Once the emperor really boosted the Beijing camp, some people would be in danger of losing their lives at any time and would be at the mercy of the emperor.

In other matters, Zhang Siwei could cater to the emperor and be a treacherous minister, but this military matter was the foundation of his livelihood, and he dared not give in at all.

Wang Chonggu glanced at his sinister nephew and frowned, "How could the emperor be so unreasonable?"

The term "parasites of the country" is too harsh to hear. How could the people of Jin bear such a sin?

If the establishment of Nanzhili had historical reasons, then Shanxi really relied on its own abilities.

Shanxi's iron smelting, silk industry, and salt-making industries were second to none in the entire Ming Dynasty.

With the business conditions right here, is it possible that the people of Jin can stop doing business?

If you want to do business, isn't it for the purpose of making money? Isn't it normal to make some money?

Since they are already "the richest merchants in the world, and only those with hundreds of thousands of dollars are considered rich", do their children still need to work in the fields? Of course, they should study hard.

As there were many wealthy merchants and educated people, naturally more and more villagers climbed to high positions.

Isn't it human nature to support each other?
How did you become a parasite of the country?!
He lived through two dynasties, and the two emperors before him were not so unreasonable as to exterminate their fellow villagers, which was a common human nature.

Zhang Siwei also sighed with empathy: "The man is innocent, but he is guilty of possessing a treasure."

"Shanxi has a good foundation to begin with. Since the Longqing trade, the outside world has been saying that 'the prosperity and wealth cannot be inferior to that of the south of the Yangtze River'."

"The emperor is eyeing the silver in the hands of our Shanxi merchants."

Logically speaking, if you are targeted by the emperor, you should follow Yang Bo's example and slip away.

But when it comes to business, there has to be someone officially taking over, otherwise you'll just be a lamb to be slaughtered.

He had to wait until Shi En's fellow villagers were promoted and the burden was handed over to rising talents such as Wan Shide and Wang Jiaping before he could retire with peace of mind.

This is the rule by which the local party operates under the surface, just like Yang Bo had wanted to retire a long time ago, but still waited until now.

It’s just that now is not the right time to take over, and he has met an emperor who is prejudiced.

Wang Chonggu pondered for a while, his face looking quite solemn.

If the emperor really has this idea as his nephew said, it would not be a good thing.

This is no longer just about money and status, but about one's life and property.

Then he would have to continue to use the mutual trade and Shanxi merchants in border affairs, appease Altan Khan, and keep the enemy at bay.

At the same time, at the center, he relied on the Ministry of War and local party members to negotiate with the emperor, weakened the military preparations of the weakened Ming Dynasty, controlled the Three Jins, suppressed the Beijing camp, and influenced the southeast.

but……

In this case, how can he wipe out the Tatars?
How can he seal the Wolf's Lair?
When he was in charge of Altan Khan's tribute ceremony, he reported to the late emperor that he wanted to take advantage of a period of peace to strengthen the military in order to achieve success in one fell swoop. That was truly from the bottom of his heart.

Afterwards, Gao Gong sent him letters repeatedly, asking him to prepare for battle and defense and destroy the enemy's nest, and he never hesitated.

It all comes from the heart!
Although Wang Chonggu was born into a merchant family and was indifferent to morality, he grew up in the frontier and had witnessed the rampant barbarians since childhood. How could he remain indifferent?
Money and status were certainly things he found hard to give up, but was it not also his wish to wipe out the Tatars and quell border troubles?

Thinking of this, he became even more hesitant and in a dilemma.

Seeing that his nephew was still trying to persuade him, he raised his hand to end the conversation: "I will talk to you after I see the emperor tomorrow."

Wang Chonggu waved his hand absentmindedly, turned around and left the study.

……

The next day, early in the morning.

The wind was quite strong this morning, blowing up the debris and dead leaves on the ground, making them swirl in the air and then swaying down.

Wang Chonggu was walking on the road, feeling the wind.

He did not take a sedan chair. In order to relieve his complicated emotions, he chose to walk to the palace.

Before the court meeting, he had to go to the Western Garden to meet the emperor - the emperor was very dissatisfied that no result had been reached after two days.

But at this time, Wang Chonggu had not yet made up his mind.

It was still dark at this time, and Wang Chonggu was walking absent-mindedly with a frown on his brow.

Because he had been at the frontier for a long time, he preferred to feel the wind blowing on his face.

"Minister Wang!"

Suddenly a voice reached Wang Chonggu's ears. He immediately stopped and turned around to look.

Zhang Juzheng's housekeeper You Qi was standing beside him, bowing respectfully: "Minister Wang, the wind is strong this morning, and it is easy to damage your appearance. My master specially asked me to come here. Please take the sedan chair and enter the palace together."

Wang Chonggu raised his head and looked towards the distance, where a large sedan was parked at the entrance of the alley, waiting for its turn.

He immediately understood that Zhang Juzheng was waiting for him on purpose and must have something to say.

Wang Chonggu was also not vague. He rolled up his sleeves, put his hands behind his back, and strode over.

Without waiting for You Qi to lift the car curtain, he simply stuck his head inside and sat in.

He casually sat down opposite Zhang Juzheng and got straight to the point: "What is it that Yuanfu is looking for me for?"

Zhang Juzheng held the memorial in his hand and read it attentively, while he was doing two things at once. He said, "Before Altan paid tribute, I advised the late emperor to inspect the Beijing camp."

"At that time, Xuefu also submitted a memorial, saying that this move would "block the troops along the border and make them more motivated to fight."

"In September of the third year of Longqing's reign, the late emperor indeed held a grand review. 'The capital was crowded with spectators, both near and far.' The Tatars were horrified, and even 'rumours spread throughout the country that they wanted to recover the Hetao area.' This shows that the review was effective."

"Afterwards, Xuefu submitted a memorial, hoping that the late emperor would take it as a normal practice."

"Now, why is Xuefu acting out of character and hesitating, as if he doesn't want Your Majesty to interfere in the Beijing camp?"

In the time it takes to say a word, Zhang Juzheng had finished reading one memorial and turned to the next one.

Wang Chonggu glanced at the Prime Minister who was working so hard in front of him, and replied sullenly: "Why do you say that, Prime Minister? As a minister, how could I be so rebellious as to intentionally hold the emperor hostage?"

"It's just a matter of discussing the matter, weighing the pros and cons, and thinking slowly for the overall situation."

"At that time, the late emperor was too benevolent and forgiving, and as his subjects, we were naturally happy to see him show his kindness and majesty."

"The emperor is still young and seems to be very hasty in his actions. As a minister, I want to think carefully for your majesty and fill in the gaps."

There was no way Wang Chonggu would accept Zhang Juzheng's words in person.

But the meaning of his words was clear.

Things were just as Zhang Juzheng said, but the situation was different.

At that time, the late emperor had no interest in state affairs or military affairs.

The review was only to boost morale, show the cabinet's attitude, and boost the morale of the soldiers. It was not a real intention to interfere in the Beijing camp.

It would be beneficial to border affairs without the harm of usurping power, so he was naturally very happy about it.

But now that the emperor has a prejudice against the people of Jin, he naturally has to be on guard against them, otherwise what would he do, otherwise, as his own nephew said, he would be killed after he has done his job?
Zhang Juzheng closed a memorial and handed it to Wang Chonggu.

The former suddenly changed the subject and said, "This is a joint memorial submitted by seven people including Chen Qu, the Right Secretary of the Ministry of Rites."

Wang Chonggu took it with confusion, not understanding what Zhang Juzheng meant.

Zhang Juzheng continued, "Chen Qu and others have told us all about the recent disasters."

"Since the beginning of spring, the drought has become more severe, with frequent haze and scorching dust covering the sky, and then a long drought without rain, and all the springs have dried up."

"They said that all this was because your Majesty did not cultivate virtue and indulged treacherous officials, causing trouble for the government."

"I hope Your Majesty can abolish the performance evaluation system, stop the planning of the Salt Administration Office, and..."

"I urge Your Majesty not to indulge in idleness, to be vigilant and thoughtful, to work hard to implement practical policies, to drive out the treacherous ministers in the cabinet, and to issue an edict of repentance and pray for God's forgiveness."

Wang Chonggu listened quietly without opening the memorial.

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Wang Chonggu shook his head and said, "How can I peek into the cabinet's secrets?"

After being explained by his nephew, he also understood that the Prime Minister had a close relationship with the Emperor.

He was especially afraid that Zhang Juzheng was setting a trap for him.

Being on high alert, he refused to reveal a single word in order to avoid saying the wrong thing.

Zhang Juzheng picked up another memorial from the side and said seriously, "In addition to this memorial, there are also people like Yu Zhao, the Right Secretary of the Criminal Department."

"It is said that solar eclipses and star changes are a sign of disasters. There was no snow in the winter of last year, and there was little rain in the summer of this year. There were winds and haze for many days, but no thunder."

"Without the harvest of wheat and the planting of corn, the whole world will be a wasteland for thousands of miles."

"This is because someone fabricated charges to frame ministers, and someone appointed people based on personal connections, disrupting the government."

"I hope Your Majesty can learn from the late emperor, appoint wise ministers, and govern by doing nothing."

Wang Chonggu had a blank expression on his face.

This was about the Nanzhili case, in which Hai Rui murdered ministers and the cabinet aided and abetted him. Naturally, he understood it.

But he didn't understand what Zhang Juzheng's purpose was in saying this.

Just remained silent and didn't respond.

My mind was racing with thoughts.

Is it a test and does it have anything to do with me?
Or are you planning to use these censors as an example to scare others and threaten yourself?

Wang Chonggu remained calm, but his mind was racing.

Zhang Juzheng picked up the three memorials and read them one by one to Wang Chonggu.

They were all attacks on the cabinet, Hai Rui and others, and it was obvious that they were all veiled in slander.

After a long time, Zhang Juzheng glanced at Wang Chonggu.

He sighed and said, "Xuefu, you don't have to be so vigilant against me. I just want to show you how many despicable people there are in the Central Government."

These censors do not have the ability to criticize current social ills, but they are first-rate in taking the opportunity to criticize current social ills to attack their colleagues.

Zhang Juzheng paused, looked at Wang Chonggu, and said seriously: "Xuefu, there are not many people like you who have real talents and knowledge. We can't do without you to improve the military and quell the border troubles."

"Bo Ding'an and I both hope that you will work hard. Once the Tatars are pacified, your achievements will be recorded in history."

"Rather than ruining your reputation for the sake of your fellow countrymen."

The words are sincere and from the bottom of the heart.

But to the wary listener, it felt different.

Losing your integrity in your later years! ?
It turned out that he was here to threaten me!

Wang Chonggu finally couldn't hold back any longer and retorted with a frown: "Is Yuanfu praising me or insulting me? How can I say that I have lost my integrity in my later years?"

"Could it be that the central government is short of money and wants to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs? And you're giving me a false accusation!"

Wang Chonggu was so angry that his tone suddenly became fierce, and he didn't even want to beat around the bush.

What do you mean by losing one's integrity in old age? Even at his position, corruption has never been considered a crime!
What's more, with his merits, he has already been reported to the temple and rewarded for his achievements. He can proudly say that he has made contributions to the country and shed blood for the emperor.

Even if he was given a golden medal of immunity from death, it would be more than enough - although the emperor did not give it to him, he himself asked Yang Bo to get a golden edict, so he had a clear conscience.

It would be fine if such a meritorious official was not rewarded, but they also said that he had lost his integrity in his later years! ?

Just because he is from Shanxi, should he be accused of forming a clique? ?

The sedan was shaking, and the atmosphere between the two senior officials inside suddenly took a turn for the worse.

Zhang Juzheng glanced outside and saw that they were about to reach the Meridian Gate.

He also met Wang Chonggu's gaze, and suddenly smiled and said, "Your Majesty can even tolerate Gao Gong and Xu Jie."

"Why does Xuefu have to scare himself?"

He turned his head away, looked outside the sedan, and said meaningfully: "I am looking for you today, not to question you, but to give you some instructions before the emperor..."

"Your Majesty works day and night to shoulder the responsibility of the people. Your heart to wipe out the Tatars is pure gold, and your willingness to rely on Xuefu is even more perfect."

"If Xuefu remains true to his original aspirations and resolve, you may wish to think more about it."

"I will enter the palace later. Regarding the affairs of the Beijing camp, I also advise Xuefu to think twice before speaking."

"If you are not sure at that time..."

At this point, Zhang Juzheng paused and said word by word: "If Xuefu can trust me, a man who is devoted to the country, I can guarantee your life and property!"

"Please think twice!"

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, he asked Wang Chonggu to leave the sedan chair without waiting for him to express his opinion.

The sedan chair shook as it moved away under Wang Chonggu's gaze.

Wang Chonggu stood there, looking puzzled, frowning and thinking deeply.

Are you negotiating on behalf of the emperor?

Or do you want to win me over?
Or, is mentioning life and property an attempt to scare myself?
With doubts, Wang Chonggu did not go to the Ministry of War first, but went straight to Xiyuan.

When eunuchs came up to greet him, he forgot to return the greeting.

I was just thinking about what Zhang Juzheng meant just now.

Before I knew it, I was led to Chengguang Hall.

He was just about to collect his thoughts, adjust his demeanor, and go in to meet the emperor.

Suddenly, a figure walked out quickly and took hold of his arm. "My Lord, you came so early. Have you had breakfast yet? Why don't you eat with me?"

Only then did Wang Chonggu realize that the emperor was playing the trick of treating the wise and humble with respect again.

He immediately tried to refuse.

The emperor pulled him forward without looking back and said something shocking: "By the way, Wang Qing, Lord Yang has asked to retire three times. I can't keep him any longer. You should join the cabinet!"

(End of this chapter)